The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation recently kicked off the public phase of the “Sea Beyond the Beach” fundraising campaign at a special site dedication ceremony for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California. The ceremony, which was part of the 2009 MBNMS Ocean Fair, included such stakeholders as Save Our Oceans, The Seymour Center, Santa Cruz Whale Watching, Santa Cruz Seaglass, Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, and others. The local NBC affiliate Ch. 8 was on hand to cover the event.

NMSF staff and trustees along with Santa Cruz government officials, including Mayor Cynthia Mathews were on hand to unveil a “future home” sign at the site of the MBNMS Exploration Center. The Exploration Center will be located directly across from the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and wharf. Also appearing at the event was Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA 17) via video message to thank all the stakeholders for working together to make the Exploration Center a reality.
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In a gesture of support and generosity, Charles Canfield, President and CEO of the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, presented a lead gift to the NMSF for $50,000. “The support we have received from local businesses such as the Santa Cruz Seaside Company during this very important time for the Exploration Center has truly been amazing,” said NMSF President Jason Patlis. “The way the community has joined together in support of such a vital education resource is a perfect example of the Foundation’s goal to inspire Americans to take a lead role in protecting our ocean and marine sanctuaries.”

To learn more about the MBNMS Exploration Center, click here.

For information on how to donate to the MBNMS Exploration Center, click here.